National Security Adviser and head of the National Security Council (NSC) Meir Ben-Shabbat, this evening (Wednesday, 30 June 2021), informed Prime Minister Naftali Bennett of his desire to step down after having served in the position for four years.
Upon the formation of the government, NSC head Ben-Shabbat acceded to Prime Minister Bennett’s request to stay on in order to facilitate the maintenance of stability and functional continuity. NSC head Ben-Shabbat assisted the government and its team as they assumed office.
NSC head Ben-Shabbat will stay on until the end of August 2021. The Prime Minister will appoint a replacement to the position of head of the National Security Council in the near future, while providing for an orderly transition with the outgoing head of the NSC.
Prime Minister Bennett thanked NSC head Ben-Shabbat for his great contribution to the national security of the State of Israel: “I would like to commend Meir Ben-Shabbat for the long years in which he has successfully and professionally contributed to the security of Israel. Meir has served in a series of positions and has shown impressive achievements in all of them; he has a deep understanding of the diplomatic and security challenges facing the State of Israel. Even during the corona crisis, Meir has worked day and night for the health of the citizens of Israel; his performance is worthy of esteem. I am certain that he will yet make a great contribution to the State of Israel.”